Managing diabetes during a sick day

The flu or a common cold can sneak up when you least expect it. The best defense for someone with diabetes, other than mom's homemade chicken noodle soup, is a ready-made sick day plan.

A solid sick day plan includes several key items. And when you have it when you need it, you'll be less stressed and will heal more quickly.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Eating and drinking can sometimes be difficult, especially with the flu, but it's important to keep to your standard meal plans if at all possible. Some ideal foods to have on hand include broth-based soups, sugar-free gelatin, juice, crackers, and applesauce. Also, pushing fluids can help your body heal more quickly.

Monitor Your Sugar Levels

Check blood sugar levels frequently during a sick day. Many sicknesses come with additional stress that can wreak havoc on your blood sugar numbers, but staying on top of it with additional, frequent testing is the best option. Document your readings and look for patterns and ways to improve.

Watch Your Meds

Not only should you be watching your diabetes medication, but you should also monitor any cold or flu medication you take. Many medications contain small amounts of sugar. Some medicines, like large doses of aspirin, can lower blood sugar levels, so read labels carefully before you buy.

Know Your Numbers

Keep your health care providers' phone numbers in a handy place, and know when to call them. If you have been sick for 2 days without getting better, if you have a persistent fever, or if you have ketones, it's definitely time to call.

The Last Resort

If you must go to the emergency room or see another doctor during an illness, remember to have any insurance information, a list of all meds you take, and diabetes identification.

Partner with your endocrinologist and nutritionist to finalize your sick day plan. The best thing you can do is plan ahead to avoid any emergencies. Even though it's important to have on hand, hopefully you won't need it for quite a while!

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